Visitor Centres - Bakewell: Peak District National Park Visitor Centres January to 31 March 2017: 10:30am-4:30pm 1 April to 31 October 2017: 9:30am-5pm 1 November 2017 to 31 March: 10:30am-4:30pm Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day Contact details Email: bakewell@peakdistrict.gov.uk Bakewell Visitor Centre is fully accessible and ideally placed to welcome you to Bakewell and the 'White Peak' when you arrive. The centre is located in the atmospheric 17th century Old Market Hall. Exhibitions The Peak District Photography Gallery has been created to highlight the special qualities of the National Park and offers visitors the opportunity to experience the wonderful, dramatic landscapes of this inspiring part of the UK, while supporting local professional landscape and wildlife photographers in the display and sale of their work. The gallery, located upstairs on the mezzanine floor, presents a visual celebration of the Peak District National Park and has a number of exhibitions planned throughout the year.

Download the Bakewell Miniguide - also available from the visitor centre. National Park information, local and national tourist information Local and national accommodation bookings Public transport information, timetables and Day Rover tickets Theatre programmes, theatre vouchers and Buxton Opera House tickets Information and tickets for local events Photocopy service Bakewell Visitor Centre - Information Centre in Bakewell, Bakewell - Peak District Visit Website About Located in the 17th century Old Market Hall in the centre of town, Bakewell Visitor Centre is fully accessible. The experienced staff provide a comprehensive information service for the National Park, offering advice on local events, public transport and how to make the most of your visit to the area. The retail area displays a wide range of locally produced arts and crafts. Gifts, souvenirs and local maps are also available as well a large selection of literature to appeal to walkers, cyclists and enthusiasts of the Peak District National Park. We are also able to book accommodation anywhere in the country or reserve you theatre tickets for Buxton Opera House and a variety of other local events. The centre has a photography gallery located upstairs on the mezzanine floor (floor -lift provided).

The Peak District Photography Gallery has been created to highlight the special qualities of the National Park whilst supporting local professional landscape and wildlife photographers in the display and sale of their work. The gallery, located upstairs on the mezzanine floor presents a visual celebration of the Peak District National Park. Bakewell Visitor Centre - follow on twitter @peakinfocentres Peak District Photography Gallery - Twitter - @PeakGalleryFive Shop - Gift Gifts, souvenirs and local maps are available as well a large selection of literature to appeal to walkers, cyclists and enthusiasts of the Peak District National Park.

Facilities Bakewell Tourist Information Centre - Visitor Centres - Accessible Derbyshire Bakewell Tourist Information Centre 1 April 2013 until 31 October 2013: 9:30am - 5:00pm 1 November 2012 until 31 March 2013: 10:30am - 4:30pm Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day Telephone: 01629 816558 Fax: 01629 814782 Email: bakewell@peakdistrict.gov.uk Bakewell Visitor Centre is fully accessible and ideally placed to welcome you to Bakewell and the ‘White Peak’ when you arrive. The centre is a joint venture between the Peak District National Park Authority and Derbyshire Dales District Council and is located in the atmospheric 17th century Old Market Hall. The mezzanine floor houses a photographic gallery offering visitors the opportunity to experience the wonderful, dramatic landscapes the Peak District National Park has to offer.

How to get to Bakewell visitor centre The centre is in the centre of the town next to the Market Place and close to the medieval bridge. By bus: The TP bus operates an hourly service to and from Derby, Nottingham, Matlock and Buxton, with a two hourly service to Manchester. The 6.1 service also runs hourly from Derby and Matlock. The 170 service runs hourly to and from Chesterfield, and the 240 and 218 operates to and from Sheffield. Bus times can be found in the Peak District Bus Timetable, published in March and October. It is available from any Tourist Information Centre in the area or you can order the Peak District bus timetable online.. Alternatively, you can use the East Midlands online journey planner or view an interactive map of Peak District bus routes. By railway: The nearest stations to Bakewell are at Matlock, Chesterfield or Buxton, each having regular, frequent bus services to the town.

For information on train times and fares on all these routes, you can call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950, or visit By road: The best exit points from the motorways are: From the M1 - exit 29 to A617 westbound and then A619 Northbound on M6 - exit 14 to A34 and then on to the A520 Southbound on M6/M56/M60 - exit 27 on to the M60 and then on to the A6 From the north (Sheffield) take the A621 then A619 into Bakewell From the south (Derby/Matlock) take the A6 into Bakewell From the east (M1/Sheffield/Chesterfield) take the A619 into Bakewell From the west (M6/Buxton) take the A6 into Bakewell Visiting information Access for visitors with disabilities The visitor centre is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. Access statement for Bakewell visitor centre Introduction We aim to provide an excellent service to all visitors and continually strive to improve.

We currently offer: • Selected information available in large print and audio • Fax and email available • Some maps can be emailed or posted Arrival and car parking facilities • On-road disabled parking (three spaces) next to visitor centre • Coach drop-off point outside visitor centre • Short stay council pay and display car parking next to visitor centre • Nearest long stay pay and display car park 500 metres (Smith's Island) • Nearest accessible toilet 150m (next to Boots chemist) • Nearest baby changing facilities 150m (next to Boots chemist) • Wheelchair hire at the centre – phone for details and to book • Shopmobility operates on Fridays only at the Agricultural Business Centre Main entrance and reception • Visitor centre is signed from all town centre car parks • Main entrance is through automatic sliding door 950mm wide • There is a short stone ramp rising 20mm over 120mm at the main entrance • Inside the visitor centre the floor has carpet tiles but is uneven in places • Main counter is split level 910mm with a 750mm high fold down section Public areas - general (internal) • The ground floor has good circulation space between displays (minimum 9

60mm) • Spiral staircase (13 steps) to mezzanine floor has handrail on one side • Rear door to rear staircase 850mm wide • Rear staircase (15 steps) to mezzanine floor has handrail on one side • Access to lift 810mm wide via rear door • Lift capacity up to 400kg, lift door 900mm wide • Mezzanine floor National Park interpretation area has good circulation space (minimum 1200mm) • Ground floor accommodation booking desk 750mm high • Seating available on both ground floor and mezzanine • Hearing loop on main counter and accommodation desk • A selection of leaflets are available in large print and on CD • Radar keys on sale at the centre Admission National Park information, local and national tourist information Local and national accommodation bookings Public transport information, timetables and Day Rover tickets Theatre programmes, theatre vouchers and Buxton Opera House tickets Information and tickets for local events Fax and photocopy service Bakewell Town Guide 2017 Bakewell Town Guide 2017 Bakewell Town Guide 2017 Visitor Guide to the beautiful market town of Bakewell featuring Bakew

ell attractions , events and accommodation In 2017 the Bakewell Food Festival will be held on the 29th April and 30th April 2017.

There will also be a Bakewell Baking held on 12th - 13th August 2017. This years food festival will include over 60 stalls around the streets of this beautiful historic, riverside market town, with the focus being on food and drink. Discounts and Tastings in a number of our local independent retail outlets, a variety of road shows, cookery demonstrations, children�s rides, ponies and donkies. The Old House museum and historic church will be open, craft and gift fairs in venue�s around the town. The regular monthly farmers market will be held on the Saturday In 2017 , the 187th Bakewell Show will take place on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd August, with a dedicated Equestrian Day on Tuesday 1st. Bakewell Carnival Week runs from , Sat 24 Jun - Sun 2 Jul 2017 with Carnival Day on 1st Jul 2017 . Bakewell Carnival is by far the biggest and best Carnival in Derbyshire and Bakewell becomes very busy with thousands of visitors and local people alike lining the streets.

Bakewell is a beautiful, small market town and major tourist attraction, situated on the River Wye in Derbyshire and in the heart of the Peak District. Bakewell attracts many tourists both local and from abroad to the large town centre which is busy all year round with plenty of attractions including gardens, museums,arts and crafts, pubs, coffee shops, and numerous shops selling books, clothes and gifts. Bakewell is home to one of the country's major agricultural and horticultural events of the year. The Bakewell Show attracts some 65,000 people during the 2 day annual event. The famous Bakewell pudding was invented accidentally at the Rutland Hotel, when a cook misinterpreted instructions and poured egg mixture over the jam instead of mixing it in the pastry and what should have been a tart was now a pudding. Bakewell puddings can be bought at several shops and coffee houses in the town centre. The Hotel also has a literary connection in that Jane Austin is reputed to have stayed at the hotel whilst writing Pride and Predudice. Bakewell has been identified as Lambton.

Major attractions in Bakewell Bakewell's All Saints Parish Church Bakewell's All Saints Parish Church is broad and low and has an octagonal tower with a graceful spire. The bulk of the church as it stands now dates from the 13th and 14th centuries, though there are many fragments of Saxon and Norman Stonework to be found. It was considerably restored in the 19th century, when the nave was rebuilt. The south transept holds the Vernon Chapel with monuments to Vernon and Manners families, including splendid ones to John Manners and Dorothy Vernon, and Sir George Manners, father of the 8th Earl of Rutland , and his wife Grace. There is also a remarkable monument to Sir Godfrey Foljambe and his wife, in the south aisle, dated about 1377 and set in alabaster with coats of arms above. Outside the church is the remains of a Saxon Cross. Bakewell was mentioned in the Domeday book as having a church and 2 priests signifying its importance even then.

In 1502 Bakewell was owned by the Vernon family and passed on to the Manners family in 1567 when Dorothy Vernon married John Manners. Their son, Sir George Manners married Grace Pierrepont who in 1637 founded the grammer school, Lady Manners School. The Bridge and the River Wye Bakewell is crossed by a 13th century 5 arched bridge still open to traffic. The bridge had been widened in the 19th century. The walkaway by the river Wye itself, as it flows through the town centre, is a popular , picturesque destination for visitors who wish sit and watch the world go by or just feed the ducks. Old House Museum Lumford Mill was established in 1777 by Sir Richard Arkwright for the purpose of cotton spinning. He also bult new houses and converted a house in Cunningham Place, which sits behind the church and dates from early Tudor times, into 5 dwellings for his mill workers. This house was restored by the Bakewell Historical Society in 1955 and is now known as Old House Museum.

The museum houses 14 beamed rooms including a drapers shop, a Victorian kitchen, a wheelwright and a smithy. Other rooms have Ashford Marble, lace, toys, china and photographs. It is open from the 1st of April until the end of October from 1-30pm to 4-oopm ( 11.00am in July and August). Guides are always at hand to answer questions and the museum also organizes talks and visits. Tel 01629 813165 for more information. Old Market Hall and the Tourist Information Centre Bakewell tourist information centre is housed in the Old Market Hall. Offers local and national tourist information as well as local and national accommodation bookings , public transport information, timetables and Day Rover tickets. Information and tickets for local events is also available. The centre also houses a photographic gallery. Open daily apart from Christmas Day & Boxing Day. Tel 01629 816558 Email: bakewell@peakdistrict.gov.uk Bakewell old town hall Bakewell old town hall built in 1709 is situated in King Street.

It is now an antiques shop but between 1826 and 1874 it was occupied by Lady Manners School. In later years it has been used as a fish and game shop and the upper floor was used by the local Working mens club from 1885 until 1964. Behind the Old Town Hall in Bakewell are the Almshouses of St John's Hospital also dating from 1709. The Bakewell Show The Bakewell Show takes place on the first wednesday and thursday of August on land adjoining the Agricultural Centre. The first local show took place in 1819. It is now a major agricultural and horticultural event with all sorts of animals being shown along with show jumping and exhibitions of local crafts and produce. Other attractions include fairground rides, specialist trade stands, bands, centre ring entertainment and a food hall. Well Dressing and Carnival Well Dressing takes places in the lasdt week of June and comes to a climax with the town�s annual gala. This starts with a procession of floats and bands through the main streets and culminates with a fete in the Recreation Ground.

The Recreation Ground The Recreation Ground provides fun and enjoyment for people of all ages. It is set in 5.25 hectares of land, and has great outdoor sporting facilities. Fringing the town centre, the Recreation Ground is easily accessible from Bakewell's car parks, including the large car park on the other side of the River Wye (footbridge access) at the District Council's Agricultural Business Centre (ABC). The Wye runs alongside the Recreation Ground, making it a beautiful place for a walk. Facilities include: 2 football pitches - Bakewell Town FC, Red Lion FC, Bakewell Juniors 2 Croquet Lawns - Bakewell Croquet Club A cricket square - Bakewell Cricket Club A multi-use games area Pavilion Bath Gardens Bath Gardens are an enclosed area in Bakewell overlooking Rutland Square. A tranquil with some beautiful blooms throughout the year. In 1697 the Duke of Rutland built the Bath House in Bath Gardens, over the bath, with is fed by warm spa waters, in an attempt to rivel Buxton as a health resort. The pool was later rebuilt and exists in the cellar of Haig house which presently houses the British Legion social club.

Activities around Bakewell Plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling, climbing, horse riding and golf in the Bakewell area. For information on where to eat and drink in Bakewell see Bakewell Food and Drink In 1826 Bakewell cattle market was moved from the present Rutland Terrace to the market place to enable coaches to pass through the town centre without delay. A new Agricultural Business Centre across the river now incorporates the livestock market but there are still stall markets held here every Monday. Horse sales also use to take place in front of the Castle Hotel but finished at the time of world war 1. A medium sized stall market is held in the town centre. The Castle Inn on Castle Street, previously called the Commercial and Castle, is a 16th century inn by Bakewell's medieval bridge which entertained a regular horse market for over 100 years. It's three garages were formally stables and the present stone flagged floor and wooden beams give the pub a warm and cosy feeling. The Peacock near the Tourist Information Centre was built in the 19th century. The peacock is the family crest of the Manners family ( the Dukes of Rutland) of Haddon Hall.

The Red Lion situated in The Square, is thought to originally have been a timber framed 16th century inn. Villages near Bakewell include the very pretty Ashford-in-the-Water, Over Haddon, Sheldon, Elton, Great Longstone, Monyash , Rowsley, Pilsley and Youlgrave. Bakewell is only a short drive from many interesting county houses including Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall. Bakewell also makes for an ideal base for walking some of the beautiful dales in the area including Mondal Dale and Millers Dale. Bakewell Tourist Information How to get to Bakewell By bus: The Trans Peak bus operates an hourly service to and from Derby, Nottingham, Matlock and Buxton, with a two hourly service to Manchester. The 6.1 service also runs hourly from Derby and Matlock. The 170 service runs hourly to and from Chesterfield, and the 240 and 218 operates to and from Sheffield. Bus times can be found in the Peak District Bus Timetable, published in March and October.

It is available from any Tourist Information Centre in the area or you can order the Peak District bus timetable online.. Alternatively, you can use the East Midlands online journey planner or view an interactive map of Peak District bus routes. By railway: The nearest stations to Bakewell are at Matlock, Chesterfield or Buxton, each having regular, frequent bus services to the town.

For information on train times and fares on all these routes, you can call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950, or visit By road: The best exit points from the motorways are: From the M1 - exit 29 to A617 westbound and then A619 Northbound on M6 - exit 14 to A34 and then on to the A520 Southbound on M6/M56/M60 - exit 27 on to the M60 and then on to the A6 From the north (Sheffield) take the A621 then A619 into Bakewell From the south (Derby/Matlock) take the A6 into Bakewell From the east (M1/Sheffield/Chesterfield) take the A619 into Bakewell From the west (M6/Buxton) take the A6 into Bakewell Car Parks in Bakewell Granby Road car park Pay and display 124 spaces Market Place car park Pay and display 61 spaces New Street car park Pay and display 18 spaces Agricultural Business Centre car park Pay and display 4

20 spaces Public Toilets in Bakewell Diamond Court Dental Practice on Water Street Tel 01629 812991 Smiths Dental Surgery on Water Street Tel 01629 812066 Chemists in Bakewell Lloyds Pharmacy Rutland Square, Bakewell Tel 01629 813 215 Boots Unit 1 Spa Store, Granby Croft, Granby Road Tel : 01629 812 043 Taxi in Bakewell Neil Chapman Private Car Hire Tel 01629 812454 Places to visit near Bakewell Many nearby villages are worth a trip by bus or car or on foot, and most have a pub or tea shop in particular Ashford in the Water, Over Haddon, Monyash and Youlgreave.

Matlock is only 15 minutes by car, and buses are available. Matlock Bath is just beyond Matlock and has many popular attractions including the Peak District Mining Museum, Gullivers Kingdom, Heights of Abraham. Cromford is a mile beyond Matlock Bath and is the setting for Cromford Mill, the first large water-powered cotton spinning mill in the modern world. Also the Cromford Canal is a lovely waterway in a very rural setting. Haddon Hall is only 5 minutes from Bakewell by car or an hours walk. Chatsworth House is a little further but still easily accessible from Bakewell. Near Chatsworth in Pilsley is Chatsworth Farm Shop, popular because of huge range of good fresh fruit, veg and meat. Includes a tea shop.

Cafes Caf�s include The Bakewell Pudding Parlour, The Bakewell Tart Shop & Coffee House , The Honey Bun Caf� and The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop Holiday Accommodation in Bakewell Self Catering Holiday Cottages and B&B Guest House Accomodation in and around Bakewell Barn Cottage, Bakewell - Self Catering - Barn Cottage is a beautiful detached barn conversion that has been awarded a 4 Star rating by the Visit Britain Quality in Tourism. It is full of charm and character and a perfect holiday destination for a discerning couple. Conveniently located in a quite back street close to the facilities of the charming Peak District market town of Bakewell. It is a pleasant five minute level stroll to the centre of town which offers excellent local amenities. It has vaulted ceilings with beams and modern facilites. There is private, off road parking, for one car on the owners courtyard in front of the cottage.

Sleeps 2 Read more at Barn Cottage, Bakewell Bolehill Farm Holiday Cottages - Self Catering Cottages - This charming collection of eight stone cottages sleeping from 2-5 is situated in a superb rural location in the heart of the Peak District National Park. Merman Barn is a converted limestone barn on the quiet outskirts of Tideswell, only a short walk from the village centre. There is private parking for up to 6 cars at the rear of the property and a walled garden in which guests can relax. Merman barn is a high quality B&B where Linda and Andrew offer a warm welcome, good food, 3 en suite comfortable rooms and a guest lounge. There is a quiet area for Internet access, private parking and a walled garden. We welcome walkers and cyclists. Read more at Merman Barn Bed & Breakfast Merman Farm Holiday Cottage - Merman Farm Holiday Cottage is a traditional, stone built former farmhouse situated in a quiet location, a few minutes' walk from the centre of the village of Tideswell, one of the oldest settlements in the central Peak District.

Fully restored by the owner, Merman Farm offers quality accommodation of real character and charm and seamlessly combines many original features with modern design and home comforts. Sleeping up to 11 in 5 bedrooms, 3 ensuite, open fire and pet friendly. Read more at Merman Farm Holiday Cottage For more accommodation see Bakewell - Town in Bakewell - Peak District Visit Website About Bakewell is the only market town within the Peak District National Park boundary and its attractive courtyards, independent shops, cafés and its location on the River Wye make it a hugely popular destination for tourists to the Peak District. Named after Badeca's well, indicating the importance of the springs, Bakewell almost became a spa town. The Bath House, built by the Duke of Rutland in 1697, still retains the original 16ft x 33ft bath in the cellar. However, the temperature of the water would always have been against the town's development as a spa – at only 11ºC/52ºF, it was less then half the temperature of the spring at neighbouring Buxton!

You can see the tufa rock formed by the spring water in the walls of the porch in front of the building. Bakewell is best known for a confection made by mistake. In the 19th century a cook at the Rutland Arms was baking a jam tart but misunderstood the recipe and so Bakewell Pudding was created. Now almost every visitor to the town samples this culinary delight. The fine spire of All Saints Church looks down on the town, where there are some grand old houses, notably the Market Hall, The Old Town Hall and the Almshouses on South Church Street. The ancient five arched bridge is much painted by artists, upstream from this is the ancient packhorse bridge near Holme Hall. New buildings in the 1990's have generated much interest, including the Agricultural Business Centre, which replaced the old cattle market that dominated the centre of the town for over 600 years. Things to do; The Annual Bakewell Show is now much more than just an Agricultural event, held over two days in early August it attracts thousands of visitors.

Bakewell is never quiet for long; Well Dressings, Carnival Week and an Arts Festival are all important dates in the calendar. The riverside walk from the bridge downstream to the Recreation Ground has been popular to generations of visitors, who have stopped to feed the ducks. The Old House Museum behind the church houses, occupies one of the oldest buildings in Bakewell and dates back to 1543. It gives a fascinating glimpse into the towns past. Market Day is on Monday, when the town is at its' busiest. Farmers Markets are held in the Agricultural Business Centre on the last Saturday each month. Facilities Bakewell, Derbyshire, England Bakewell The name Bakewell originates from 'Bad-kwell' meaning 'bath-spring'. Bakewell grew up around twelve mineral-water springs and there is evidence of settlement around these warm springs since at least the Iron Age. Most of these have now run dry but one still delivers warm water at 15°C (59°F). The lack of functioning wells does not prevent Bakewell from organising Well Dressing for five wells from the last Saturday in June.

See the comprehensive list of well dressings which includes other villages and towns within the Peak District National Park and many outside the Peak National Park. Bakewell is the only market town in the National Park. The charter for its Monday market was granted in 1330, the third year of King Edward III's forty year reign. The market consists of both domestic stalls and a cattle market. A Craft and Gift fair is held every weekend in the Brigade Hall from 10:30am to 4:30 pm. There are many shops clustered around Bakewell's marketplace and a very good tourist information centre. Some of the more specialised shops include John Brocklehurst Bakewell Farmers' Market Bakewell has a regular Farmers' Market with a wide variety of goods from beer, cheese, wine, meat, game and vegetables. Farmer's Markets Dates in 2015 Bakewell's Farmers' Markets are held the last Saturday of each month except for December from 9am to 2pm. The Farmers' Markets are under cover at the Agricultural Business Centre less than two minutes walk from the centre of Bakewell.

Alternatively, there is ample parking adjacent to the Farmers Market with very easy access for wheelchairs and prams. In 2010 the parking fees were £1 for one hour; £1.50 for two hours; £3.50 for four hours and £4.50 for over four hours with free parking for Disabled Badge Holders. However, be aware that picnicking is not permitted in this car park! The dates of the 2015 Bakewell Farmer's Markets are: 31 January 19 December (week early for Christmas) See also the dates of farmers' markets in Castleton, Matlock, Buxton and Whaley Bridge. The map below shows the location of the Bakewell Farmer's Market. Bakewell Tourist Information After shopping, the next port of call should be to the Tourist Information Centre and Peak National Park Information Centre, both of which are located in the 17th century Market House on Bridge Street. This building has the heraldic shields of the Manners family on the outside.

Bakewell Pudding There are three bakeries selling the world famous Bakewell Pudding, and will come as no surprise that each claims to have the original, secret recipe. During the summer season, over 12,000 puddings are sold each week. The Bakewell Pudding is quite different from the more familiar Bakewell Tart. Local legend has it that it was eaten as far back as the 1500s at Haddon Hall and that it was the favourite dish of Lady Dorothy Vernon who eloped in 1563. Indeed, Trevor Brighton, President of the Bakewell and District Historical Society in 2005, has written a book Bakewell: The Ancient Capital of the Peak . His book was written to celebrate the society's 50th anniversary. In it, he claims that the Bakewell pudding goes back to the Middle Ages and probably has its origins in France. Popular belief is that the actual appearance of the Bakewell Pudding was 300 years later in the 19th century.

The Bakewell Pudding was first created in the 1860s when Bakewell's coaching inn was the White Horse. The White Horse was built in 1804 on the site of an earlier inn. It is by the roundabout in the centre of Bakewell and is now called the Rutland Arms. Back in the coaching days it was the landlady of the White Horse, Mrs Greaves, who usually did the cooking but on the monumental day, when entertaining important guests, the task of making a strawberry tart was left to an inexperienced assistant. The egg and sugar were omitted while making the pastry. Then the jam was spread over the unusual pastry base, and the egg and sugar mixture was put on top and an extra (secret) ingredient was added. The customers liked this new sweet, and the rest is history. What became of the secret recipe? One story is that Mrs Greaves left the recipe, in her will, to a Mr Radford, who in turn passed it on to Mr Bloomer. Mr Bloomer's son still makes (and sells) this 'original' pudding.

But, according to the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, Mrs Wilson who owned the cottage where the shop now is, acquired the recipe from the assistant cook (rumour is that is was stolen). Mrs Wilson was a candle maker in this cottage and she decided that she would start to make this pudding. Monsal Trail About 500 metres from the centre and to the north east of Bakewell there is access to the Monsal Trai l. It is a vigorous walk out of the town, but there is a small car park at the old Bakewell station. From the track side the building is very attractive with its four tall chimneys and buff sandstone stones. Following the old track bed of the Midland railway between Bakewell and Buxton, the Monsal Trail , gives superb views of the Wye valley and Bakewell. The track is not muddy as it has been prepared with a fine hardcore base that makes it good enough to easily ride bicycles along it. The railway line was opened in 1863 and closed in 1968 as part of the Beeching report.

Dr (later Lord) Beeching was appointed by the Minister of Transport, Ernest Marples, as the Chairman of British Railways Board in May 1961. Dr Beeching's report, Re-shaping of BR, was published in March 1963 and recommended the closure of many lines throughout the country. Many lines serving rural communities, like the Bakewell to Matlock line, were axed. The National Park authority now owns this part of the line although Peak Rail , a voluntary society, has long term plans to lay a track bed the whole way between Buxton, via Bakewell, to Matlock and run trains along it. Jane Austen Bakewell claims that Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice was written while she stayed at the Rutland Arms, although others claim that it was written while Jane Austen stayed at Haddon Hall. No matter where Jane Austen stayed, everyone agrees that Pride and Prejudice is based on the surrounding area with Lambton being the portrayal of Bakewell and Chatsworth House being the model for Pemberley.

In the BBC's TV production of Pride and Prejudice, Lyme Park in Cheshire was the setting for the external scenes at Mr Darcy's Pemberley estate and the internal views were shot at Sudbury Hall (11 miles south of Ashbourne). However, Trevor Brighton, in his book Bakewell: The Ancient Capital of the Peak (published in 2005), claims that Jane Austen didn't eat a pudding and never came to Bakewell. She never went north of Oxford! Other Bakewell Points of Interest A packhorse bridge spans the River Wye. This beautiful bridge now carries the A619 to Chesterfield. Built around 1300, it has five Gothic arches and triangular corner stones over the buttresses. It is a perfect example of its kind and features on many calendars. The architecture of All Saints' Church is very interesting with its unusual octagonal spire. Most spires in this area are a regular octagon having all sides the same size and at the same angle to each other, but Bakewell's spire is built in the shape of a crucifix.

The church was first established during Anglo-Saxon times, but was completely rebuilt by the Normans in the 12th century. In the churchyard there is a wonderfully preserved 8th century Saxon cross and more interesting detail inside the church. There are around 40 Anglo-Saxon stones in the grounds of All Saints' Church - the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon stones in the world - and local historians believe that they have unlocked some of their secrets. The stones date back to 920AD when King Edward the Elder ruled England and Scotland as far north as the Forth and Clyde. When Alfred the Great died on 26th October 899, he was succeeded by his son Edward the Elder as King of Wessex. Edward the Elder was crowned King at Kingston upon Thames on 8th June 900. Edward pursued a take-over of the north of England that had previously been under the control of the Danes. Edward the Elder is best known for his reconquest of all of England south of the Humber after the Viking invasions of the previous century.

By 917, his elder sister, Æthelflæd had taken Derby which then became the northern frontier of King Edward's kingdom. By 920 King Edward had built a fort at Bakewell and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle reports that, after the building of the fortress at Bakewell, the king of the Scots, and Rï¿½gnald, and all of those who lived in Northumbria, English and Danish and Norse, and also the Welsh of Strathclyde, chose Edward as their father and lord. This was the time when the nation state of England first came about. It was also the time when the major religion of this new nation converted from Paganism to Christianity. In 2008, local historians hope to preserve these 40 Anglo-Saxon sculptures in order to discover much more about the messages contained within them. The stones, which have pictures carved into them, date back to 920AD when King Edward came to the area to build a fort. Historians have discovered that they explain how the tribes in northern England were called together in Bakewell and agreed to live under single lord with one law and one religion - Christianity.

Bakewell Historical Society chairman Jan Stetka, spent five years decoding the sculptures, and believes that the pictures depict what happened in Bakewell to help create the England we know today. The historical society members now plan to apply for funding to have the stones moved inside the church to be preserved and studied further. Information about the stones will also be available at Bakewell Old House Museum (close to All Saints' Church) when it opens at Easter 2008. Bakewell Events Bakewell holds many different types of events throughout the year with one of the major ones being its own annual agricultural show. This show, which is known as the Little Royal, is always staged on the first Wednesday and Thursday in August and brings visitors and exhibitors from all over Britain and also abroad. It is a traditional two day agricultural show that started in the 1830s and is the largest tented agricultural show in the UK attracting around 50,000 visitors. There are traditional attractions, around 250 trade exhibitors, a full two day programme of entertainment in the centre ring, usually incorporating a military band, and a parade of vintage vehicles.

Wednesday's dog show is one of the largest in the North of England. Many of its winners go on to compete in Crufts. The horticulture section is frequently used as a vehicle for regional heats of specialist competitions. The stock section exhibits cattle (including specialist breeds), sheep and goats. There are competitions for pigeons, poultry and rabbits. Show jumping is a very popular feature of the event and competitions staged in the centre ring are often qualifiers for the Horse of the Year Show. For fothcoming and past events in Bakewell see Bakewell Events. Bakewell Tourist and Visitor Information | tourUK.co.uk > Bakewell Tourist Information Bakewell is a small town with busy roads, famous as the home of Bakewell Pudding or Tart made with raspberry jam, but which is the original recipe? three shops battle for the honour! Many people come here as Bakewell is the nearest town to the famous Chatsworth House, one of the most visited stately homes in England. In the 17th century there was a failed attempt to turn the town into a fashionable spa town. The local showground hosts the yearly Bakewell Show in early August.

A market town, with the market still held here every Monday, Bakewell is a delight to visit. Take a stroll around the town to see it's small shops in King's Court, the Market Hall, The Old Town Hall and the Almshouses. Being on the River Wye, there is picturesque five arched bridge over the river from which you can walk along river bank. Bakewell is useful as a base for touring the whole of the Peak District area and visiting villages such as Winster and Birchover tucked away south east off the A6. Visitor Centres: Peak District National Park Visitor Centres Visitor Centres Call in to our visitor centres and find out why the Peak District National Park is one of the best loved national parks in the UK. We have a great selection of maps, books and guides to help you make the most of your visit, together with a wide range of souvenirs to remind you of your time in this inspiring part of the world. We also have a selection of products available in our online shop .

Visitor and tourist information: 01629 816558 Bakewell Bakewell Derbyshire - central to the Peak District Bakewell Derbyshire - central to the Peak District Bakewell is the home of the Peak District National Park Authority. Founded by the Romans at a crossing of the River Wye. In Saxon times Edward the Elder built a fort here. Jane Austen stayed in the Rutland Arms, where the Bakewell Pudding was invented. Local Attractions Bakewell Church Bakewell's name is said to derive from the warm springs in the area - the Domesday book entry calls the town 'Badequella', meaning Bath-well. The town was built on the West bank of the Wye at a spot where it was fordable and the site was probably occupied in Roman times (there is a Roman altar at Haddon Hall , found nearby). The Saxons left their mark here and in 924 Edward the Elder ordered a fortified borough to be built here. The church was founded in 920 and some Saxon fragments can be seen in the porch.

However, although parts are Norman, most of the modern building dates from the 13th century and it was then virtually rebuilt in the 1840s. It contains many interesting monuments and is well worth a visit. A few yards up the hill from the church is the award-winning Old House Museum, housed in one of the few genuinely medieval buildings of the area. This house serves as a local history museum and is in the care of the Bakewell Historical Society. Other places of historical interest include Bagshaw Hall, a fine 17th century house built by a rich lawyer, and several old buildings down King Street, such as the Old Town Hall, the Red Tudor House and the Hospital of the Knight of St John. Just off the Buxton Road lies Victoria Mill, which ground corn from water power until 1939. The old bridge at Bakewell Two of the original wells (which serve up water rich in iron at a temperature of 15 degrees Centigrade) still survive. These are the Bath-well in Bath Street and Holywell (or Pete well) in the recreation ground. The others have been filled in long ago.

Likewise, little except the bridge across the Wye (built around 1300 though widened since then) now survives of the old Bakewell, which was quite medieval in character until the early 19th century. In 1777 Arkwright opened a mill in the town and it was perhaps the resulting surge in prosperity which caused the town to be largely rebuilt in the 19th century. One such building is the Rutland Arms, overlooking the town square and built in 1804. Jane Austen stayed here in 1811 and in Pride and Prejudice she has Elizabeth Bennet stopping here to meet the Darcys and Mr Bingley. However the Rutland Arms' chief claim to fame is as the place where the Bakewell Pudding (Bakewell has never heard of tarts) was invented by a chef of 1859 who made a mistake. You can now buy Bakewell Puddings at several establishments across the town, all claiming to have the original unique recipe. Bakewell has one of the oldest markets in the area, dating from at least 1300.

The first recorded fair was held in 1254. Markets are still held every Monday and, unlike most of the other local centres, there is a thriving livestock market at the recently rebuilt Agricultural Centre, which is well worth a visit. The big event of the year is the annual Bakewell Show, which takes place the first Wednesday and Thursday in August and attracts farmers and many others from all over the Peak District and surrounding area. Bakewell from the river There are some very pleasant walks along the river from the bridge in the centre of town. Downstream leads to the recreation ground and upstream takes you to the site of Arkwright's mill, via Holme Hall (a fortified manor house dated 1626) and Holme Bridge (dated 1664). The mill burned down in 1868, but the cottages associated with it (Lumford Terrace), still survive. Bakewell has a full range of shops, pubs and restaurants. There are numerous options for accommodation and there is also a Youth Hostel.

Bakewell has an annual well dressing and carnival, held in late June and it is the home of the Peak District National Park Authority, who have their main offices at Aldern House, Baslow Road. They also operate the town's information centre which is in the old Market Hall in Bridge street, with a parking area (except on market days) and public toilets next to it. It is open daily 9.30am - 5.30pm in summer and 9.30am - 1pm in winter. Telephone: 01629 813227

Question: Bakewell is a Tourist Information centre in which National Park
Answer: The Peak District